The Hardest Victory: The Fruit of the Spirit Series Book 3

By Jean Ellis Hudson

Clem and Susannah Brown and their three adult children, Thomas, age. 21, Ruth, age 20, and Jeff, age 18, in the year of 1912, have much love within their family, but life is not without trials. Clem and Susannah discover that Thomas has a lack of self-control and can even trace it back to childhood. There is anger and jealousy brewing in Thomas that he does not control and thus he strikes out at family members. Upon the death of George Brady, Susannahs father, each member of the family inherits a great deal which enables them to enlarge the farm and improve their lives. Ruth meets a fine young man and after a period of courting, they get married. Clyde Armour still works with Clem and is basically a partner by 1912, while he and his wife Lillian have two children. Another hired hand is added to the farm named Zeb Stuart. Their pastor Tim Hawthorne talks with Thomas a great deal about his problems, walking as a Christian, and staying out of certain establishments. Follow the route Thomas life takes as it intertwines with Jeffs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Nov 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490750590

Jean Ellis Hudson

Jean Ellis Hudson has her B.A. and M.Ed. in Secondary Education/Social Studies and taught high school for fifteen years. She went on to be a church secretary for several years. Upon retiring, she followed her dream of writing which she has wanted to do since she was fifteen years old. It only took her fifty years to get there! She enjoys writing Christian historical fiction. Her first book, A Journey to Faith, received a positive review from the US Review of Books which earned the book The Gold Seal of Literary Excellence. This was the first book in the series called The Fruit of the Spirit series. Her plans are to follow through all the fruits of the spirit in this series. This book, the sixth one, is the culmination of the series. Her interests include reading, writing, gardening, crafts, and graphic design. She live with her husband, Jimmy, in Georgia.

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© Copyright 2014 Jean Ellis Hudson.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

All historical facts and events have been researched and authenticated as well as actual historical figures. Other characters are entirely fictitious as well as actual conversations. There is some literary license taken to help the flow of the story. Any errors are entirely those of the author.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

ISBN: 978-1-4907-5058-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-5060-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-5059-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014919492

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Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Dedicated to

Joann Fuller

who has been a great supporter

to me in so many ways.

Thanks, Joann!

God bless you and your family!

Chapter 1

Clem Brown had just walked out the back door of his house when he heard yelling. His attention was drawn to his two sons, Thomas who was twenty and Jeff who was seventeen, who were in a yelling match outside the barn. Jeff, you don’t pull your weight around here! You’re always runnin’ off to see that girl and leavin’ your work not done on the farm! I can’t do it all! Besides the loggin’ is your job, not mine! I handle the cattle and Pa and Clyde handle the cotton and corn. And you need to help the rest of us like we help you sometimes! It’s a joint operation, you know. We all work together on this farm. What’s the matter with you? Forget the girl! Do your work, you goof-off!

You’re not bein’ fair, Thomas. I do my work, maybe not the way you want me to, but I do it. So back off and give me a break.

Clem took it all in and made a mental note to talk with Jeff about his workload as his mind went back many years when Thomas was five.

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Thomas was a five-year-old little guy with the curiosity of someone much older. He was always asking questions about everything, always wanting to learn. He had learned to read early and did well in school later. But at the time he was five, his sister Ruthie was four and having temper tantrums when she didn’t get her way. She would lie down in the dirt sometimes and just kick her arms and legs and scream. Her answer to everything was No! Clem and his wife Susannah focused on Ruthie because they had to in order to try to keep peace in the family and not disrupt their family life so much. Unfortunately, it was a losing battle. They prayed for Ruthie and talked with her, but she didn’t get any better. She would take over the tree house and not let her brothers even use it. Although Clem and Susannah didn’t know it right away, Thomas was feeling resentment toward Ruthie which blossomed into anger. He felt his parents were giving Ruthie too much attention and didn’t give him enough. His anger came out in ways that could just be considered traits of a child. He would stick out his foot and trip her and laugh at her when she fell. He would sneak around and climb into the tree house in the cypress tree which hung over his Pa’s grandparents’ graves to pay her back for taking it over. When she ran away into the big woods and everybody was looking for her, he was jealous and in his heart almost wished they wouldn’t find her. His grandparents, Susannah’s parents George and Martha Brady who were since deceased, spoiled Ruthie and gave her everything she wanted. Thomas resented that.

Clem and Susannah had tried to reason with Thomas and talked to him about the consequences of anger and how it would only hurt him, not Ruthie. They had reassured him how much they loved him and that they loved all their children the same. He was a smart boy at five and seemed to understand and seemed to change his behavior toward his sister.

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Clem’s mind came back to the present as he watched Thomas stomp around like an old mad bull. Thomas, calm down and let’s talk.

Thomas jerked his head up and realized his Pa had heard the whole conversation. Pa, you’ve got to talk to Jeff again! He’s not doin’ his part! I don’t like it. It makes me mad!

Thomas, can we sit down here in the barn for a minute? I’d like to talk with you. Clem spoke in a low-key tone to try to calm the situation. Thomas hesitated and then they both sat down on bales of wheat straw. Thomas, you know I love you. You’re my firstborn. We’ve always had a good relationship and could talk about anythin’. I’m very concerned about the anger you’re showin’. It’s mostly toward Jeff for some reason, but who will it be tomorrow? You’ve been angry with me at times. When will it be your Ma’s turn? Are you goin’ to get angry with her? What about Clyde, Lillian and little Ban? Will you strike out at them? Clyde was a hired hand on Clem’s farm, Lillian was his wife, and little Ban was their baby. They lived close by on some land Clem had given them. Are you goin’ to get mad at little Ban? And if you do, how will you show it? Are you goin’ to hit him or yell at him like you did Jeff?

Don’t be ridiculous, Pa. Of course, I wouldn’t get mad at little Ban and I sure wouldn’t hurt him. What are you talkin’ about?

When you were young, about five, you had a problem with anger. Do you remember? You were angry with Ruth and it came out in different ways, but you did show it toward her and she was only four. The point I’m tryin’ to get around to is not so much the object of your anger, but the fact that you have anger inside you festerin’ away. And I want to know why and what you can do about it. This anger in you is goin’ to eat you alive and ruin your relationships with other people, maybe even outside the family. It’s a matter of self-control, Thomas, takin’ hold of yourself and sayin’, ‘I will not let anger control me.’ Please don’t let anger destroy the beautiful spirit that I know is in you… the Holy Spirit of God. Cry out to Him for His help.

Thomas began to be restless, shuffling his feet and squirming in his seat.

You know, Thomas, the devil sends thoughts to our minds, but we have the choice to let ’em stay there or kick ’em out. You don’t have to let angry thoughts stay in your mind. Kick ’em out! If you let those angry thoughts stay in your mind over time, which it seems like you have, it becomes a habit. I hate to say it, but I think you’ve allowed this anger to become a habit. You know, the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:9: ‘Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.’ And Proverbs has a lot to say about anger, like Proverbs 25:28: ‘He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.’ Proverbs 37:8 says ‘Cease from anger and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.’ Thomas, I just don’t want to see you let this anger grow until it controls your whole life. Do you understand what I’m tryin’ to say?

Thomas stood quickly and left the barn. Clem looked surprised and then a deep sadness grieved his heart for his son who seemed not to accept his admonition. He could only pray that something he said got through to Thomas.

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As Clem sat there in the barn, his mind went back again to an earlier time when Thomas was seven years old and stole some candy from the mercantile. As he recalled, Thomas had gone into town with him to get some supplies. As children will do, Thomas was roaming around the store looking at things, touching items occasionally. John Edwards, the owner, helped Clem gather his supplies, neither of them paying any attention to Thomas. Thomas came to the candy in large jars on the counter. He already knew what was there because he’d looked at it enough. His favorite was peppermint candy. The thought came into his mind to take just one piece. Nobody would miss it. He looked around to see where his Pa and Mr. Edwards were, and when he saw they were busy he reached in and took one piece, then two more pieces and then three more pieces. He stuffed them all in his pocket. Clem finished his business and they left. Thomas wouldn’t dare eat a piece of the wonderful treat in his pocket sitting there beside his Pa, so he waited till he got home. After he helped his Pa take in the supplies, he ran to the barn and climbed up in the hay loft to enjoy his candy.

He stuffed two pieces in his mouth at one time and had such enjoyment with the peppermint flavor filling his mouth. Hmmm, he mumbled aloud.

Thomas, is that you up in the hay loft? Clem asked.

Thomas froze when he heard his Pa’s voice. He couldn’t talk around the candy. What can I do? he thought. He didn’t want to waste his precious candy, so he spit it into his hand. Then he said, Yes, Pa, it’s me.

What are you doin’ up there?

Nothin’.

You have to be doin’ somethin’. Come down here.

Yessir. He slowly climbed down, still clutching the candy in his hand.

Clem noticed the fisted hand and asked, Son, what are you holdin’ onto so tight?

Nothin’.

Yes, you are. Let me see. He waited while Thomas sweated on his upper lip and down his back. Come on. Open it.

Thomas opened his hand and said, Just some ol’ candy.

Where did you get it? I don’t remember buyin’ any candy in town. Did you buy it?

Thomas hesitated. No. I ain’t got no money.

Then how did you get it? Answer me and let’s stop dancin’ around it.

I got it at the mercantile, okay. I just wanted some candy and I took a few pieces.

I see. Sit down, Thomas. Let’s talk. They sat on bales of wheat straw, but Thomas could barely sit still because he knew what he had done was wrong. He just dreaded what his Pa would say and do to him! Bring it all out. I want to see how much you took.

Thomas slowly pulled the candy out piece by piece and it totaled six pieces. Clem left it in Thomas’ hands but went on to admonish him. Son, you know it’s wrong to steal. You’ve been taught better. Why did you take it? Were you hungry?

I wudn’t hungry or nothin’. I just thought I needed it. I’d worked hard and I should have it. That’s all. His head was drooping by then.

Thomas, the Bible says in Exodus 20:15: ‘Thou shalt not steal’. That’s one of the Ten Commandments which were and are mighty important for God to write them down, even twice. Jesus Himself repeated it in Matthew 19:18: ‘Thou shalt not steal.’ We live by the Bible, Thomas. Do you understand that what you did was wrong?

Yes, Pa. Tears started down his cheeks. I’m sorry, Pa. I won’t never do it again. Are you gonna whip me?

No, I’m not. We’re goin’ to sit right here while you eat all that candy right now. Go ahead.

Thomas struggled to eat the candy around the lump in his throat and the tears in his eyes, but finally he finished it. How do you feel, son?

I feel sick.

I guess so. Your punishment will be to work for Mr. Edwards after school for one hour a day for each piece of candy you stole… that’s six days. Do you understand?

Yes, Pa.

Clem walked to the barn door, turned to Thomas and said, You do know this is your supper. And he walked out.

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Back in the present, Clem and his whole family sat down to dinner after a morning’s work and enjoyed roasted rabbit with brown gravy, boiled asparagus and cauliflower, rice fritters, buttermilk biscuits with apple butter and drop cake for dessert. An enormous meal by anyone’s standards. Yet when Clem, Thomas and Jeff went back to work after dinner, every time Clem happened to look at Thomas he was eating – sometimes a cold biscuit or two, an apple or two, a rice fritter and a piece of cake – all right after dinner. Was Thomas a bottomless pit? How could he hold all that food and work too? Clem finally asked Thomas, You can’t still be hungry, can you? We just had a big meal, and kind of laughed, so as not to sound critical.

Ah, Pa, you know I work hard and it takes a lot to fill me up. It evidently did because Thomas was not overweight.

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Clem suddenly remembered something about Thomas when he was eight. Thomas had begun to overeat and it became a serious problem. He became very overweight but just kept eating. The reason he gave was that he just loved the taste of food. Unfortunately, there were times when Thomas would leave during a meal, or sometimes after, to go outside and throw up. It surprised Clem and Susannah who didn’t realize just how much he was overeating. Sometimes he sneaked around to eat more food when they didn’t know it. Clem talked to Thomas about it and told him, Son, this overeatin’ you do and then throwin’ up because you’re so full is wrong for you. You could be hurtin’ your body by doin’ this. The Bible says in Proverbs 23:20-21: ‘Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh. For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to proverty’ Do you understand what that means?

Not exactly, Pa.

Well, winebibbers and drunkards drink too much whiskey, and the riotous eaters of flesh and the glutton are the same and eat way too much for their own good. So the Bible says neither one is good for us.

Thomas tried to cut back on eating but found it hard. He continued to have a problem until he was thirteen and began to notice girls. It was amazing how he trimmed down at that point.

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One day Thomas was working with leather harnesses in the tack room in the stable when he cut his finger. He used a few foul words which shocked Clem who was working beside him. He’d never heard Thomas use bad language before.

Thomas, those are words we don’t use as Christians. I can’t believe you used ’em. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:29: ‘Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.’ If somebody who wasn’t a Christian heard you use those words, it would be a bad witness to them since you’re known as a Christian.

Thomas flew back at his Pa in anger, All you do is jump on me for everythin’ I say and do! And you throw the Bible in my face all the time.

You used to believe the Bible, Thomas. Don’t you believe it anymore?

Yes, I believe it. It’s just annoyin’ to have it stuck in my face for everythin’ I do.

Just tryin’ to keep you hoein’ a straight row in life. Thomas said nothing else but the anger was not gone, and Clem could sense that.

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Once again Clem thought back to another time when Thomas was nine and used bad language. He had talked with Thomas and used scripture to explain to him that those were words they didn’t use. Where did you hear these words, Thomas?

Some boys at school say them. I didn’t know they were that bad, but now I understand.

You know I have to punish you, don’t you?

Yes, Pa. He bent over his Pa’s knees ready for his whipping. Clem pulled his belt out of his pants and whipped Thomas about five licks. Clem and Thomas were both crying, and Thomas hugged his Pa and was very repentant. From that day he’d never heard Thomas use bad language again until now. When he was nine, he didn’t show the anger he did now.

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Clem felt the need to talk with Susannah about Thomas and his own memories. They sat down at the table one afternoon when everyone was scattered in various directions and they could be alone. Clem reached over and took Susannah’s hand. I’m so glad I have you to be with and talk to. You help me so much. I love you, Susannah. He kissed her hand.

Well, thank you, Clem. I love you too. What’s on your mind?

Thomas.

What specifically about Thomas?

I’ve been around him more the last couple of weeks and he’s got a real problem with anger and maybe some other things too. I’ve heard him yellin’ at Jeff for not pullin’ his weight around here. In other words, not doin’ enough. I’ve talked with Jeff and he told me he is doin’ his part on the farm, especially with the loggin’. I talked with Thomas about his anger and gave him some scripture, but he walked out in anger and wouldn’t really listen to me. I’m really concerned about him, but I don’t know what to do.

Clem, can you think of any reason why he would have such anger? I do remember when he was a young boy he had some anger toward Ruth, probably really jealousy. I thought that had been worked out, but maybe it hasn’t. And if it hasn’t, I still don’t know what to do except talking to him and it seems you’ve done that.

I have talked to him a lot. I’ll tell you I’ve been rememberin’ behavior from Thomas’ childhood. Do you remember his stealin’ candy at the mercantile when he was seven?

How could I forget? I couldn’t believe our child, our firstborn, would steal! What does that have to do with his anger?

I don’t know that it does. I also remembered his overeatin’ so bad when he was eight and for a few years after that until girls came on the scene. I also remembered his use of bad language when he was nine. I whipped him for that one. But you see, he used bad language just the other day when he cut his finger. I just haven’t heard him do that since he was nine. I admonished him about it, but it made him mad once again. Do you see somethin’ in all these memories that tie it all together?

I’m not sure, but I just remembered when Thomas was ten and he and some of his friends tried smoking behind our barn. You remember? When he came in to supper, we could smell the smoke on him, but he lied and said he hadn’t been smoking. She chuckled. He did look a little sick as I remember. We went ahead and talked with him about it and cautioned him not to smoke because his body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and it would only hurt him. We also told him that lying was a sin. That night at supper he couldn’t even eat because he felt so sick and sorry for his sin. He started to cry, ran outside and threw up! We felt sure he wouldn’t smoke again or lie about it!

Okay, that’s another example. I know I’m not an educated man, but I do know people. It would seem to me there’s a pattern of behavior here. He doesn’t have good control of himself and his behavior. Just think back… anger, stealin’, overeatin’, bad language, smokin’, lyin’. I don’t want to think what could be next if this behavior continues.

Oh, don’t say that. I couldn’t bear his doing anything worse. We’ve got to pray, Clem, and help him every way we can to overcome this problem. Oh, I just had a thought. Why don’t we encourage him to talk to our new pastor, Rev. Timothy Hawthorne. Maybe he could explain things better to Thomas than we can. What do you think?

I think it’d be a good idea, but I’m not so sure Thomas would do it. He doesn’t want to even talk with me.

Maybe we could get Pastor Tim to approach Thomas. You know, casually get to know him and then gradually get to the real problem.

Worth a try, I suppose. I just hope Thomas won’t turn against us if he finds out we put the preacher up to it. Anyway, let’s pray. Heavenly Father, we love You and praise You for all Your blessin’s. We ask Your help with knowin’ what to do to help Thomas. Maybe we can’t, but we know You can. Please deal with him and show him where he’s sinnin’ against You and himself. We pray that You would work it out so our preacher can talk to Thomas and get through to him. We ask that Thomas be softened and that he would receive what the preacher has to say. We love our son, Lord, just like You love Yours. We want only what’s best for him and to see him live a happy and fruitful life. Please help him, Lord. Please help him. In Jesus’ name, amen. Clem wiped tears on his sleeve while Susannah wiped hers with her apron. They sat quietly holding hands, each desiring that Thomas would change.

Chapter 2

Over the months since Ruth’s kidnapping and beating for fifteen days that so traumatized her while she was teaching in Georgia, she had experienced good days and bad ones. There were times when she simply had to lie down and sleep for a few hours to physically recharge her energy and strength. Her family understood completely and made allowances for her to do that. Susannah still worried about Ruth, their middle child of nineteen years, and what she had gone through. There were times when Susannah heard her crying in her room and wanted to go to her, but it seemed as if something stopped her. Maybe Ruth needed the outlet of crying to help her get over what she’d been through, so Susannah gave her space to heal.

There were other days when Ruth seemed fine and helped in the kitchen and with other chores, even in the garden which she had never really liked to do. Ruth was different after her experience in Gainesville, Georgia, and it was observed by all who knew her to be a good change. She was now caring and compassionate and willing to help with any work at home or helping neighbors, especially Clyde, Lillian and little Ban. She had grown to really love that little guy!

Ruth had left her teaching job in Gainesville after the experience she’d had and decided not to teach the rest of that school year in order to recover completely before seeking another teaching job close to home. After learning that her own teacher for all of her school years in Victory, Mrs. Annie Evans, was retiring, she applied for and got her position. She was thrilled! She was sure Mrs. Evans had recommended her, so she went to see her. Susannah didn’t want Ruth to drive the buggy by herself into town, but Clem told her that Ruth needed to do things for herself. They didn’t need to make her dependent on them, but rather independent since she was now nineteen and a teacher. She knew he was right, but she still prayed for her.

Ruth set out in the buggy one beautiful day in June to visit Mrs. Evans. Ruth felt good to be on her own again, driving the buggy and the breeze blowing her hair. She looked forward to talking with Mrs. Evans. Maybe she could help her with some advice about teaching.

Well, look who’s here! Come in, Ruth! It is so good to see you. How are you doing? Mrs. Evans hugged her and asked her into the parlor. Let me get some tea going. Will that be alright with you or would you prefer coffee?

Tea is fine, Mrs. Evans, but you don’t have to put yourself out.

I would love to have tea with you. While Mrs. Evans busied herself in the kitchen, Ruth looked around and saw crates stacked around and wondered what was going on.

Here we are. I even happened to have some cookies on hand.

Thank you, Mrs. Evans. You didn’t have to go to all that trouble.

No trouble at all. She poured tea and they both settled back with a cup. I have thought about you a great deal, Ruth. I hope you have recovered from your horrible ordeal.

I am doing so much better, thank you. I’m gaining strength every day. It’s good to be home too. I miss my friends in Gainesville but we stay in touch. Mrs. Evans…

Please call me Annie now that you’re through college and a teacher yourself.

Alright, Annie. That seems awkward, you know, but I’ll get used to it. I was noticing the crates. May I be nosy enough to ask what’s going on?

Of course, and you’re not being nosy. I am preparing to move to my sister’s in Austin, Texas, soon. The packing is slow, but I’ll get there. My health has not been good this past year and that’s why I retired. I feel the need to be close to family now. It will be good to see my sister’s family. She has two little ones and they are beautiful, wonderful children. I so look forward to spending time with them. I will, of course, miss teaching and the children, but we have to take care of ourselves.

Well, I don’t know really what to say. We will miss you. I hope your health will improve with rest and the load of teaching lifted from you. What does the doctor say is wrong, if I may be so bold?

He doesn’t know. I’ve been under his care for some time, but he’s a country doctor and is limited. I plan to seek another doctor when I get to Austin.

Well, I hope and will pray that he will find an answer and a solution. I could come by and help you pack if you would like me to. I’m free until after Labor Day.

I couldn’t ask you to do that.

You’re not asking. I’m offering. How about if I come by tomorrow afternoon and help you? I would love to do this for you because you did so much for me as my teacher and mentor. Please say yes.

Well, if you would like to, that would be fine. I would enjoy the help and conversation. Thank you, Ruth. You’ve grown into a fine young lady. I imagine your parents are very proud of you.

Well, I think so, but I have to give all the credit and honor to God. He was the One who changed my life and I’ll forever be grateful.

Amen. How is the rest of your family?

They are all well, working hard as usual. There is always something going on or needing to be done. Thomas is twenty now and Jeff is seventeen, and Jeff is taller than any of us! Well, of course, you’ve seen him since he just graduated. The whole family has joked about me not having to teach Jeff. Strangely, Jeff seems relieved! They both chuckled. I have to admit it would be awkward to teach Jeff. That made me think. Could you tell me about the children I’ll be teaching in the fall? And I’d like to ask your advice about what to do to be a successful teacher. You may know my experience in Georgia was not a good one which is all on my shoulders. I didn’t know how to love and really reach those students. It breaks my heart when I think about it. She struggled with bringing her tears under control.

You know, Ruth, there is not one set way to go about teaching. There are many ways, depending on your students. Some respond to praise; others don’t. Some you will reach; some you won’t. Some are overachievers; others are underachievers. Some respond to some methods; some don’t. I can’t give you a hard and fast rule to teach by. There just isn’t one. Some people are called to teach; some aren’t. I know you, Ruth, and I believe you are called to teach, but you will have to find your way… your methods… your love of students and teaching. The students need to know you are in control and in authority over them, but they also need to know that you love them and care what happens to them. I know how bright you are and that you know your subject matter very well. The students here in the Victory school are mostly from farming families, and there are times when they will be needed at home during planting and harvest. You make exception for that. If their mother is having another baby, your student may be absent and you make exception. They can always catch up on their work. Listen to them… really listen to them and care about what they say.

Thank you. Those are things I really needed to hear. How did you go about teaching every grade level in the same room? That was hard for me in Georgia.

"Again, there is no hard and fast rule, but I used to group them according to grade levels and work with one group while the rest had other assignments to do on their own. But, of course, I was available to help anyone who needed it. Sometimes one student is working on subject matter different from everybody else’s. It’s kind of a balancing act really, and I think it’s something you grow into with practice. I really think you’ll be fine, Ruth. Pray about it, prepare as